GCSE English and maths on results day

Commenting on the decline in the pass rate for students re-sitting GCSE English and maths, Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges (AoC), said: “Further education colleges face an ever increasing challenge as more students are re-sitting GCSE English and maths – an increase in entries of approximately 25% in the last year alone. “The English and maths challenge is compounded by the fact that colleges may be supporting students who are demoralised and disheartened after failing to achieve the necessary grades after 11 years in school. “It’s important that all young people have a good standard of literacy and numeracy but not everyone can get a grade C at GCSE. Colleges seek to provide the best possible chance for their students to succeed and progress during their studies regardless of their starting point. “The Government must consider creating a qualification that is more fit-for-purpose in developing English and maths skills that complement technical and professional studies, motivate students and meet the needs of employers, a requirement that was recognised in the recent report by Lord Sainsbury [Technical education reform: the case for change].”